During my summers as an adolescent, there was almost no treat I looked forward to more than a chocolate Wendy’s frosty (it was between that and a Dairy Queen Blizzard).

While I loved everything about the frosty, sweet treat, what I didn’t love was how I felt post-consumption, as inflammatory-spiking ingredients like conventional dairy, refined sugar, processed vegetable oils, shelf-stabilizing chemicals, dyes, emulsifiers and preservatives (including carageenan, a known carcinogen) cause major gut distress and hormonal chaos for me (and honestly, most people in general).

But if you know me then you know I’m always down to recreate recipes so that they taste good AND make you feel good too, and I think I nailed it with this Healthy Copycat Wendy’s Frosty Recipe.

It’s thick, frosty, rich, chocolatey and creamy, all while being dairy-free, gluten-free, refined-sugar-free and vegan-friendly.

It also sneaks in a ton of gut-friendly and hormone-healthy ingredients (including a sneaky vegetable!) that keep you feeling satiated and energy stable for hours after consuming.

So whether you’re looking for a milkshake substitute to satisfy a sweet craving or a healthy breakfast idea to kick off the morning (that your kiddos will love too) this Healthy Copycat Wendy’s Frosty recipe has you covered. Snag all of the details below.

WHAT MAKES THIS COPYCAT FROSTY HEALTHY VS. WENDY’S ORIGINAL RECIPE

While yes, this recipe is a recreation of a milkshake/ice cream like dessert, that doesn’t mean it can’t still be rich in nutrients and void of inflammatory agents found in the original Wendy’s Frosty (conventional dairy, refined sugar, carrageenan (a known carcinogen), etc.) Here’s a few reasons why my Copycat Wendy’s Frosty recipe is a much healthier option.

+ NO REFINED SUGAR

Instead of using processed sugars and sugar flavorings that can spike your blood sugar and mess with your gut microbiome, this Healthy Copycat Wendy’s Frosty uses only a small amount of dates to sweeten.

+ NATURALLY DAIRY-FREE/VEGAN

The original Wendy’s Frosty is loaded with conventional dairy (in the form of milk powder, whey and cream that many people find difficult to digest). This recipe uses frozen banana and nut butter for an extra creamy factor and dairy-free (but still very rich) oat milk in its place.

+ HIGH IN NUTRIENTS

One of the reasons milkshakes, ice cream (and desserts in general) have been deemed “unhealthy” is because they typically lack nutrients that work to keep our blood sugar balanced, hormones happy and provide an overall feeling of satiation, hence why most of the time we’re still hungry (and cranky) after consuming. This Healthy Copycat Wendy’s Frosty recipe sneaks in a ton of nutrients to help keep us satisfied (see below for details).

+ OPTIMAL BALANCE OF PROTEIN, FAT + FIBER

Unlike most milkshakes or even store-bought smoothies, this Healthy Copycat Wendy’s Frosty also sneaks in plenty of high quality fats and fiber, that work in tandem with the protein to give our hormones the building blocks they need to do their jobs effectively.

HORMONE BALANCING + HEALTHY COPYCAT WENDY’S FROSTY INGREDIENTS

+ COLLAGEN PROTEIN POWDER

High quality protein is critical for hormone balance, as hormones are manufactured from amino acids, and without them your hormones aren’t be able to function optimally. 

Unfortunately, there’s a lot of junk out there when it comes to protein sources (especially if you’re looking for it in the form of a powder), as most are quite processed and contain inflammatory ingredients like added sugars and shelf-stabilizing chemicals. My favorite clean protein protein powder is this collagen brand, which is rich in gut-healing compounds like glutamine, glycine, collagen and proline that reduce intestinal inflammation and support your thyroid gland.. **Use my code SOGREEN10 to save. 

If you’re looking for a vegan protein option, this clean hemp protein powder is my preferred option!

+ CACAO POWDER

Cacao is rich in magnesium, which helps lower prostaglandins, hormone-like substances that cause cramping. It also supports pituitary health, helping to signal the release of FSH and LH, necessary for a healthy menstrual cycle and fertility.

+ FROZEN CAULIFLOWER

Cauliflower contains a sulfur compound called diindolylmethane, or DIIM, which helps your body to safely eliminate excess estrogen that can otherwise contribute to period pain, weight gain, PMS, and other hormonal imbalances.

HEALTHY COPYCAT WENDY’S FROSTY RECIPE SWAPS

+ TO MAKE A SUGAR-FREE WENDY’S FROSTY

While this shake is already low in sugar (especially compared to the Wendy’s version!) you can make it entirely sugar free by leaving out the dates (the banana and vanilla extract will subtly add some sweetness).

+ TO MAKE A VEGAN WENDY’S FROSTY

To make this Copycat Wendy’s Frosty entirely vegan, swap the collagen protein powder for a vegan-friendly option.

+ TO MAKE A KETO WENDY’S FROSTY

While this Healthy Copycat Wendy’s Frosty is naturally lower in carbs and high in protein, healthy fats and fiber, you can reduce the net carbohydrates by leaving out the banana (use more frozen cauliflower or 1/2 of an avocado instead) and swapping the dates for monk fruit sweetener.

HEALTHY COPYCAT WENDY’S FROSTY RECIPE HORMONE HEALTH TIPS

+ USE A CLEAN, BIOAVAILABLE PROTEIN POWDER

There’s a lot of junk out there when it comes to protein sources (especially if you’re looking for it in the form of a powder), as most are quite processed and contain inflammatory ingredients like added sugars and shelf-stabilizing chemicals. My favorite clean protein protein powder is this chocolate collagen brand, which is rich in gut-healing compounds like glutamine, glycine, collagen and proline that reduce intestinal inflammation and support your thyroid gland.. **Use my code SOGREEN10 to save. 

+ CHOOSE AN OIL-FREE PLANT BASED MILK

Many plant-based milks on the market like oat, almond, etc. contain processed vegetable oils such as rapeseed, sunflower, canola and palm oil, which act as an emulsifier to help keep the texture creamy, however these oils drive up inflammation and have a negative affect on your gut and hormones as a result. This is my favorite oil-free plant based milk brand and you can use the code Lauren15 to save 15% off your purchase. 

+ ADD IN PREBIOTIC FIBER FOR A GUT-FRIENDLY BOOST

Speaking of gut issues, I’m a huge fan of adding in prebiotic fiber to this frosty. It doesn’t affect the taste, but it does promote healthy gut bacteria, which works to optimize digestion and relieve constipation, metabolize fats, regulate blood sugar, manage inflammation and decrease risk factors like obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. This is my go-to brand and you can use the code SOGREEN10 to save 10%.

MORE HEALTHY SMOOTHIE + MILKSHAKE RECIPES 

+ HEALTHY SHAMROCK PROTEIN SHAKE

+ GUT-FRIENDLY OREO COOKIE BLIZZARD

+ GUT-FRIENDLY CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIE DOUGH BLIZZARD

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Healthy Copycat Wendy's Frosty

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This healthy copycat Wendy’s frosty recipe tastes just as rich, chocolatey + creamy as the original, without any dairy, refined-sugar or soy.

PREP TIME:	TOTAL TIME:
00:00 Mins	00:05 Mins

• Author: Lauren Chambers

• Servings: 1

• Recipe Type: smoothie, milkshake, dessert, snack, sweet treat

• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsweetened non-dairy milk of choice (I love oat milk for this recipe) *Use more milk if you want a thinner texture
• 1 Serving Chocolate Collagen Protein Powder (I love this brand, use SOGREEN10 to save 10%)
• 1 cup frozen cauliflower
• 1 frozen banana
• 2 dates, pitted and chopped (can sub for 2 tbsp maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp creamy nut butter (I love this brand and you can use the code SOFRESH15 to save 15%)
• 1-2 heaping tbsps cacao powder (use 2 if you like it extra chocolatey or are not using a chocolate protein powder)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 -1/2 tsp Pink Himalayan Salt
• Optional Gut-Health Booster: 1 serving Prebiotic Fiber (Use code SOGREEN10 to save)
• Optional Topping of oat whip or coconut cream
• Optional 2 tbsp melted chocolate chips for the chocolate drizzle (these are my FAVE use code LAUREN for 15% off)

Instructions

1. If making the chocolate drizzle, heat 2 tbsp chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl for a minute or until melted, stirring if needed. Drizzle melted chocolate all around the inside of the glass you’ll be using to drink your frosty, then set aside.
2. Add plant-based milk first, followed by all other ingredients in a high speed blender.
3. Slowly blend, using a spatula to scrape down the sides if needed, and gradually increasing the speed until mixture is thick and creamy (you want to avoid blending on high right away to keep that thick, frosty like consistency).
4. Option to top with oat whip or coconut cream

Recipe Rated:

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